Alice in Wonderland. Image courtesy of Special Collections Toronto Public Library and Flickr.

Free Self-Guided Tour: Oxford’s Alice in Wonderland

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Here’s a self-guided walking tour inspired by Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” that takes you through some notable locations associated with the author and the story in Oxford, England. It includes beautiful stained glass windows, peaceful park walks, and even a little shop selling all things Alice! 

This walking tour is focused on Lewis Carroll and his books (particularly Alice in Wonderland), but it includes several interesting stops that connect literature and the city of Oxford. It includes two colleges (Christ Church and Magdalen), both of which you can see from the outside for free, as well as a museum (The Story Museum) and Alice’s Shop, which sells unique products you will probably love.

Duration: Approximately 2-3 hours (1.1 hours walking)
Starting Point: Oxford Railway Station (although you can start from any other point)

My Alice In Wonderland Free Self-Guided Walking Tour

The map below (which can be downloaded using this link or followed using the Google Map below) shows the most significant locations linked to Lewis Carroll and Alice in Wonderland in Oxford. If you want to read about these places in some more detail, please refer to the following article: Lewis Carroll’s Oxford: A Thorough Guide to Alice In Wonderland.

Alice in Wonderland Inspired Oxford Walking Tour
Directions and Stops

1. Oxford Railway Station: Begin your journey at the Oxford Railway Station, where Lewis Carroll, whose real name was Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, frequently travelled to and from Oxford. It was during one such trip that he told the story of Alice in Wonderland to Alice Liddell, the inspiration for the character of Alice.

2. Christ Church College: Walk to Christ Church College, one of Oxford University’s most famous colleges. This is where Lewis Carroll worked as a mathematics lecturer and where he met the real Alice. The college’s Great Hall is said to have inspired the setting for the Mad Hatter’s tea party.

3. Alice’s Shop: Head to St. Aldate’s and visit “Alice’s Shop,” formerly known as “Alice’s Day Nursery,” where Alice Liddell used to buy sweets. This shop still sells Alice in Wonderland memorabilia and is a must-visit for any fan.

4. The Story Museum: Walk to Pembroke Street and visit “The Story Museum,” which often hosts exhibitions and events related to Lewis Carroll and Alice in Wonderland. Check their schedule for any Alice-themed activities or displays.

5. University Parks: Stroll through the University Parks, which are believed to have inspired the Queen’s Croquet Ground in the story. Imagine playing a game of croquet with flamingos as mallets!

6. Magdalen College: Magdalen College boasts a beautiful deer park where Lewis Carroll took Alice Liddell and her sisters for outings. The college’s serene surroundings might remind you of the tranquil moments in Wonderland.

7. Botanic Gardens: Finish your tour at the University of Oxford Botanic Gardens, which may remind you of the garden scenes in “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.” The garden offers a peaceful and colourful escape.

Learn More About Oxford and Alice

Delving deeper into the life of Lewis Carroll and his most famous work, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, offers a fascinating journey into the mind of one of the most imaginative writers in literary history. For anyone interested in literature, logic, or Victorian culture, here are some recommended books:

Organised and Specialised Walking Tours

Oxford also offers specialized tours for those with particular interests. For example, food tours combine historical exploration with stops at local eateries, allowing you to sample traditional British fare and local delicacies. There are also ghost tours that explore the darker, more mysterious side of Oxford, taking you to sites associated with legends and spooky tales.

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These tours were designed by me (an Oxford resident) and include maps and detailed descriptions of the key sites, allowing you to tailor your experience to your interests. I’ve included some options for routes through the historic university colleges, literary trails, walks along the scenic River Thames, museum tours, and more.

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